Hands-free door opener and method

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for automatically opening a swinging restroom door is provided. The apparatus comprises an actuator, a control unit, and a power assisted drive mechanism that can be connected to an existing door closing mechanism. The actuator comprises a proximity sensor and further comprises a series of iconic symbols corresponding to predetermined proximity zones. The control unit is in electronic communication with the actuator with which signals are exchanged. The power assisted drive mechanism is in electronic communication with the control unit and can be connected to an existing door closing mechanism wherein the actions of the door closing mechanism are reversed and the door is opened.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention pertains to an apparatus for automatically openinga door and for more specifically for the hands-free opening of arestroom door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Bathroom door handles can be a hot bed for germs due to the poor hygienepractices of others. In an effort to avoid contact with the door handle,restroom patrons will often utilize any means available to open arestroom door and exist common necessary to avoid contact with the doorhandle. Quite often people use their feet to pry the door open, a papertowel to insulate their hands from the door handle, grasp the door in alocation other than the handle, or even wait for another patron toenter, in an effort to avoid contact with the door altogether.

Automatic door openers are well-known in the art. They are generallyoperated by motion detectors and have bidirectional motors that bothopen and close the doors as a patron approaches the door. Essentially,the patron enters a zone in which a proximity detector detects thepresence of the patron and automatically opens the door. There arecertain drawbacks of these automatic door openers especially in theclose quarters of a public restroom. For example, due to the small sizeof many public restrooms, proximity detectors can activate from almostany movement in the restroom. This results in the constant opening andclosing of the restroom door due to the movement of the patron insidethe restroom. In addition, patrons entering the restroom from theoutside will often trigger the door to swing inward where another patronmay be standing.

Attempts to remedy these drawbacks have been made by way of motors oropening mechanisms which stop progress when obstructed. While theseimprovements resolve a portion of the problems in that the patron in thepath of the door is not injured, it is still inconvenient for allinvolved. Keeping convenience in mind, it is desirable to have arestroom door that can be opened both manually or automatically upon theaffirmative action of a patron on the inside of the restroom. Thisallows the patron on the inside of the restroom to have a choice ofautomatically or manually opening the restroom door, as well as makingthe patron aware of the doors automatic opening so that any impedancethereof may be avoided.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object to the present invention to provide anautomatic restroom door opener initiated upon the affirmative action orcommand of a restroom patron. The automatic door opener comprises anactuator; a control unit and a power assisted drive mechanism. The drivemechanism comprises a limit unit which is in communication with aconventional door closer which allows the door to be opened manuallyfrom the inside or outside or automatically from the inside upon theaffirmative action of a restroom patron. The affirmative action of therestroom patron required to open the automatic door, for example, cancomprise a hand waving or oral command wherein the patron is providedinstruction through iconic symbols triggered by the proximity of thepatron to the actuator.

The actuator can be mounted in any area near the restroom door. Forexample, between the sink and door at a height sufficient to accommodatenearly any restroom patron. The actuator comprises at least oneproximity sensor for detecting the proximity of a patron within at leastone specific proximity zone. Each proximity zone corresponds to aspecific distance from the activator.

For example, the proximity detector detects the presence of a patron ina first zone. The actuator then provides an iconic instruction and/or anaudible signal to instruct the patron to wave hi or her hand close tothe actuator. When the patron's hand is waved in front of the actuator,it enters a second proximity zone. The proximity sensor, or a secondproximity sensor, then detects the proximity of the patron's hand to theactuator, provides an audible signal of detection and begins thedoor-opening process. At any time the door may be opened manually frominside or out.

The actuator alerts to the patron in each of the various zones andprovides a corresponding iconic symbol on the face of the interface willlight thereby instructing the patron on the process for opening thedoor. For example, as patron approaches the restroom door to exit therestroom, the proximity detector detects the presence of the patron asthe patron enters a first proximity zone. Detecting the presence of thepatron I the actuator flashes a first signal which alerts the patron Ito the presence of the actuator and provides a “wave hand” iconic symbolinstructing the patron I to wave his or her hand in front of theactuator. As the patron approaches the actuator and waves his or herhand in front of it, the patron's hand enters a second proximity zoneand the actuator can illuminate a second iconic symbol or color whichalerts the patron to the automatic opening of the door.

For example, the first and second proximity zones can be variably set tomeet the needs of the specific restroom installation. The affirmativeaction for example can be a movement such as a hand wave or oral commandin front of the actuator which then initiates the opening of the door.Upon completion of the affirmative action of the patron, a secondaudible signal can be provided alerting the patron to the opening of thedoor. This informs the patron that the inward swinging door will beopening immediately.

When initiated, the control unit sends a signal to the power-assisteddrive mechanism attached to a conventional door closer. The conventionaldoor closer can be a preexisting door closer or a door closing apparatusintegrated into the system. Conventional door closers generally comprisean external gear on the top and bottom of the closer that rotates withthe opening and closing of the door to which it is attached. When theexternal gear of the door closer is rotated in the appropriatedirection, the door closer can be reversed and can operate to open thedoor.

The power-assisted drive mechanism comprises a motor, a gear box and alimit unit. The motor may be an AC or a DC motor, uni-directional orbi-directional. The gear box may comprise a variety of gears totranslate the torque of the motor to the limiting unit which is attachedto an external gear on the door closer. For example, the gear box maycomprise a series of reduction gears in further communication with thelimit unit. The limit unit provides for the positive opening of the doorby the power-assisted drive mechanism. While there is a variety ofmethods in which to accomplish this task, the preferred method disclosedherein allows for power-assisted door opening as well as unobstructedmanual door opening.

As the apparatus opens a swinging door, the control unit senses themaximum angle θ and adjusts the motor function accordingly. For example,when the door opens to the maximum angle θ, the control unit caneliminate all power to the motor thereby allowing the limit unit toreset the motor as the door comes to a closed position or in thealternative the control unit can reset the motor under power. Inaddition to detecting the maximum angle of the door θ, the control unitcan also detect any fluctuation in current (i.e., voltage) caused by animpedance in the opening door and thereby initiate a failsafe programthat operates to stop the opening of the door. Accordingly, shouldsomebody step in the way of the door as it is opening as the door comesin contact with an obstruction such as a person, the control unit willdetect an increase in motor power and initiate the failsafe program.

When the opening process is completed, the power to the motor can beeliminated or reversed by the control unit and the normal function ofthe door closer can take over and close the door in its usual fashion.Such a feature is highly desirable for a number of reasons. First, sucha system allows for the bathroom door to open both automatically andmanually. Second, the apparatus is easily adaptable to existingconventional door closers. Third, by utilizing an existing door closertime and money are saved by way of installation costs and materials.Further objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent by reference to the following detailed description of thepreferred embodiment and appended drawings wherein like referencenumbers refer to the same feature, component, or element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inward swing door comprising theapparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the actuator device according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the power-assisted drive mechanismaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the power-assisted drive mechanism according tothe present invention.

FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the power-assisted drivemechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the power-assisted drivemechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the proximity zones according to thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsin the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be complete, and will fully convey anddisclose the invention to those skilled on the art. Like numbers referto like elements throughout, and the prime notation indicates similarelements in the alternate embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus according to the present inventionis illustrated and generally designated by the reference numeral 10.

The door opening apparatus 10 illustratively includes an actuator 20 acontrol unit 22 and a power-assisted drive mechanism 24. Thepower-assisted drive mechanism 24 illustratively is attached to aconventional door closer 26. The conventional door closer 26 maycomprise a preexisting door closer or a door closer integrated into theapparatus 10. The apparatus provides for the egress from a restroomwithout requiring the manual contact with the door 28.

The actuator 20 comprises a proximity sensor 40, audible signals (notshown), a plurality of visual signals corresponding to the workingstatus of the actuator. The control unit 22 is in electroniccommunication with the actuator 20 and the power-assisted drivemechanism 26 and functions to control both the actuator 20 and thepower-assisted drive mechanism 24. The power-assisted drive mechanismcomprises a motor 60 a gear box 62 and a limit unit 64. The door closer26 may comprise an existing door closer or a door closer integrated withthe apparatus 10.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the control unit22 communicates to the actuator 20 and the power-assisted drivemechanism 24 through wires, fiber optics, electro magnetic signals, or acombination thereof. It will also be appreciated by those skilled in theart that the electro magnetic signals can include infra-red, RF, or anyother electro magnetic signal known in the art.

The actuator 20 comprises at least one proximity sensor 40 and aplurality of visual signals. The plurality of visual signals maycomprise an attention signal 42, an affirmative action signal 44 and adoor opening signal 46. By way of example, as a patron I approaches aninward swinging restroom door 28 to exit the restroom, the patron Ienters a first proximity zone 80 and the proximity sensor 40, in theactuator 20, detects the presence of the patron I. The proximity sensor40 sends an electronic signal to the control unit 22 which sends anelectronic signal from the control unit 22 to the actuator 20 thatinstructs the actuator 20 to provide an alert signal to the patron I.

For example, the alert signal to the patron I may comprise an attentionsignal 42, an audio signal (not shown) or a combination thereof. Theattention signal 42 may comprise an illuminated iconic signal 42 whichilluminates steadily or flashes to alert the patron I to the existenceof the actuator 20. The attention signal 42 may further comprise anaudible signal.

As the patron I moves closer to the restroom door 28 the proximitysensor 40 detects that the patron I is within a certain zone (forexample a distance from the actuator up to 18 inches) and sends anelectronic signal to the control unit 22 which in turns sends anelectronic signal back to the actuator 20 to indicate a change inoperation status, for example flashing the affirmative action icon 44 onthe actuator 20. By way of example, the affirmative action visual signal44 can instruct the patron I to wave their hand in front of the actuator20 to initiate the opening of the door 28.

In an alternative embodiment, the actuator 20 constantly flashes to getthe attention of the patron I. In such an embodiment, a single proximityzone 82 can be used. The actuator 20 does not require a first proximityzone 80 to detect the presence of the patron I. Instead the actuator 20flashes continuously in an “always on” mode. When the patron I desiresto exit the restroom, the iconic instruction 44 is already illuminatedand the patron I need only to take the affirmative action necessary toinitiate the hands free door opener 10.

As the patron I complies with the iconic instruction requiring theaffirmative action, the proximity sensor 40 interprets the affirmativeaction and sends an electronic signal to the control unit 22 which,first, sends a signal back to the actuator to illuminate the dooropening signal 46 and, second, initiates the door opening sequence.

To initiate the door opening sequence, the control unit 22 sends asignal to the power-assisted drive mechanism 24. The power-assisteddrive mechanism 24 comprises a motor 60, gear box 62, and a limit unit64. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the motor 60 maybe uni-directional or bi-directional AC or DC. The gear box 62 maycomprise a variety of gears which operate to translate torque from themotor 60 to the limit unit 64. By way of example, the preferred gears ofthe present invention comprise a series of reduction gears (not shown)that allow the torque of the motor 60 to be translated substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of the motor 60, thus allowing a more compactpower-assisted drive mechanism 24. The limit unit 64 receives torquefrom the gear box 62 and functions to open the restroom door 28 to afixed angle θ. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthe limit unit 64 may operate to allow the door 28 to be openedmechanically or manually.

As the motor 60 receives the signal from the control unit 22 undernormal conditions, it will provide torque to the gear box 62 which thenprovides torque to the limit unit 64 which is in further communicationwith a door closer 26.

The door closer 26 comprises an conventional door closing mechanism asis known in the art. For example, the door closer is mounted to the topof the door 28 and further comprises a double arm arrangement 68 that isattached to the header 70 above the door. Such a double arm arrangement68 can operate to either push or pull the door 28 open depending on theconfiguration of the door closer26.

Conventional door closers generally comprise an external gear 66 on thetop and/or bottom of the closer 26 that rotates with the opening andclosing of the door 28 to which it is attached. The external gear 26 isgenerally connected to an internal piston (Not shown) located in thedoor closer 26 such that the opening of the double arm arrangement 68causes the internal piston to compress an oil damping spring (notshown). Upon release of the door 28, the oil dampening spring causes thedoor 28 to close and the dampening system regulates the speed at whichthe door 28 closes. When the external gear 66 of the door closer 26 isrotated in the appropriate direction (i.e., reverse), the door closer 26operates to open the door 28.

When the door 28 opens to the preset angle θ, the control unit 22detects the angle of the door 28 and sends a signal to the motor 60 tostop further progress. At this point, alternative events can occur. Forexample, all power to the motor 60 may be ceased and the motor may bereturned to starting position as the door closer 26 functions in itsnormal capacity to close the door 28 thereby providing reverse torque onthe limit unit 64 which is translated back through the gear box 62 tothe motor 60. In another embodiment, the motor 60 may be bidirectionaland as such, the control unit 22 can instruct the motor 60 to return toits starting position under its own power.

As the door opening sequence begins, should the door physicallyencounter any impedance (i.e., obstruction) the result will be afluctuation in current (i.e., voltage) supplied to the motor 60. Thecontrol unit 22 may be programmed to detect any increase in motorvoltage fluctuation and can then send a signal to the motor 60 to ceasefurther operation. In the case of a uni-directional motor, the cease infunction signal can operate simply to cut-off the electrical supply tothe motor 60. In the case of a bidirectional motor, the cease andfunction instruction from the control unit 22 can operate to stop theprogress of the motor 60 and return it to its starting position underits own power.

The control unit 22, can be programmed to operate, auxiliary electricaldevices in a restroom such as lights, exhaust fans, aroma therapydispensers, or other electronic apparatus that can be enjoyed by anpatron I in a restroom. The control unit 22 receives electric power froman external source such as an electrical box or a junction box, abattery, or any other means from which electricity is produced. It willall be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the control unit maybe programmed to operate a plurality of automatic door opening devices.

1. An apparatus for automatically opening a swinging door comprising: anactuator further comprising at least one proximity sensor for detectingat least one proximity zone corresponding to individual iconicinstructions comprising a display; a control unit in electroniccommunication with said actuator; and a power assisted drive mechanismin electronic communication with said control unit wherein said powerassisted drive mechanism operates to open said door through the reverseactivation of a conventional door closer.
 2. The automatic door openingapparatus of claim 1 wherein the proximity detector detects theproximity of an individual.
 3. The automatic door opening apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the proximity detector display provides iconicinstructions to an individual based on the proximity of the individualto said proximity detector.
 4. The automatic door opening apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein the proximity display provides an audible signal basedon the proximity of the
 5. The automatic door opening apparatus of claim4 wherein the proximity display provides an iconic instruction for anindividual to perform an affirmative action to cause the proximitydetector to activate the actuator.
 6. The automatic door openingapparatus of claim 5 wherein said affirmative action comprises waving ahand proximate to the proximity detector.
 7. The automatic door openingapparatus of claim 1 wherein the proximity detector is of sufficientdistance from said inward swinging door to prevent the individual fromimpeding the opening door.
 8. A method of automatically opening aninward swinging restroom door comprising the utilization of: an actuatorfurther comprising a proximity sensor, having a plurality of proximityzones corresponding to individual iconic instructions comprising adisplay; a control unit in electronic communication with said actuatorand a power assisted drive mechanism in electronic communication withsaid control unit wherein said power assisted drive mechanism operatesto open said door through the reverse activation of a conventional doorcloser whereby the swinging restroom door is opened automatically. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein the proximity sensor detects the proximityof an individual.
 10. The method of claim 8 wherein the proximity sensordisplay provides an audible signal based on the proximity of theindividual to the actuator.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein saidactuator provides an iconic instruction for an individual not to touchthe proximity detector.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the actuatorprovides an iconic instruction for an individual to perform anaffirmative action to cause the actuator to activate the control unit.13. The method of claim 12 wherein said affirmative action compriseswaving a hand proximate to the actuator.
 14. The method of claim 8wherein the actuator is in a location sufficient to prevent theindividual from impeding the opening of said door.
 15. An actuatorcomprising a proximity sensor capable of detecting the presence of anindividual in at least one proximity zone and further comprising atleast one individual iconic instruction corresponding to said proximityzone.
 16. The actuator of claim 15 wherein said proximity zonescorrespond to a preset distance of the individual from the actuator. 17.The actuator of claim 16 wherein an individual's presence in a firstzone initiates an iconic signal to draw an individual's attention to andnot touch said actuator.
 18. The actuator of claim 17 wherein anindividual's presence in a second zone initiates an iconic signalinstructing an individual to make an affirmative action in proximity tosaid actuator.
 19. The actuator of claim 15 wherein an individual'spresence in any of said proximity zones initiates an audible signal. 20.The actuator of claim 18 wherein said affirmative action activates acontrol unit, wherein said control unit sends an electronic signal to apower assisted drive mechanism comprising a means for engaging, openingand disengaging a door, utilizing an existing door closer, therebyallowing said door closer to control the speed of the closing door whensaid engagement means is disengaged.